Obituary of Shirley Paul (nee Horner)

Born in South Porcupine, Ontario as the eldest of four children, Shirley had a knack for imparting knowledge to her siblings early on.  After moving to Shawville, Quebec with her family to attend high school, Shirley accepted a scholarship to Macdonald College for more formal teacher-training.  She later finished her Bachelor of Arts degree nights and weekends at the University of Ottawa while teaching full time, raising three kids,  and managing to prepare three fantastic meals a day for her kids and husband Donald, whom she adored.

Shirley was the consummate high school English teacher.  Shirley’s connections to and influence on her many students over the years were real and lasting. She had a social conscience long before it was fashionable, had a fierce sense of justice, and was as much a champion for the student who might be struggling as she was for the student starring in the annual Drama Festival.  She marked her English papers at the dining room table well into the wee hours almost every night, loved theatre, the Stratford Festival, Emily Dickinson, Bridge, Green Lake and was a Friend of the National Gallery.  She was a long-standing CGIT leader and a force in Unit Six at the Shawville United Church. 

Shirley leaves three children, Susan (Dale), Brenda (Tom), Douglas (Laurie), and five grandchildren, Laura, Sarah, Abby, Emily and Eric – who will always cherish their personalized photo albums from Nanny.  She also leaves behind her sister Carol (Blythe) along with many nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Donald, sister, Sheila (Laird), brother Bill (Joy) and parents Milburn and Hazel Mahon Horner.   

Shirley spent the last years of her life as a resident of the CHSLD du Pontiac (the CAP), and the last few days of her life there in palliative care where she was treated with grace, dignity, and tremendous love.  The family is forever grateful to the staff who became like an extended family. Please consider a donation in Shirley’s name to the Pontiac Reception Centre Foundation or the Shawville United Church.

 Friends may call at Hayes Funeral Home, 134 Centre Street, Shawville, Quebec on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at which time a service will be held in the chapel.  Interment to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.  A reception will be held in the funeral home following the interment.